Major Characters
Atticus Finch..............................................Gregory Peck
A gentle and highly moral lawyer in a small Southern town
who agrees to defend a black man accused of rape.
"Scout" (Jean Louise) Finch....................Mary Badham
The adorable six year old daughter of Atticus who tells
the story of the events that take place in the film.
Jem Finch..................................................Phillip Alford
Scout's protective 10 year old brother.
Dill Harris................................................John Megna
The friend of Scout and Jem who lives in
their town during the summers.
Tom Robinson...............................................Brock Peters
The kind and soft-spoken black man who is falsely accused
of rape, and now must face the charges with an all white jury.
Mayella Violet Ewell.......................................Colin Wilcox
The uneducated teenage girl who accuses Tom of raping
her after she is seen trying to kiss him by her father.
Bob Ewell..................................................James Anderson
The uneducated, hateful and racist father of Mayella
who claims that Tom raped her.
Nathan Radley..............................................Richard Hale
An antisocial, mysterious and scary man who
lives down the street from the Finches.
"Boo" (Arthur) Radley......................................Robert Duvall
Mr. Radley's mentally disturbed but gentle son, who
the town's people never see, and who is believed by some
to be chained to a bed in his home.
Sherrif Tate...............................................Frank Overton
The sherrif (head police officer) of Macomb, the small
Alabama town where the story takes place.
Plot Summary
This movie is the classic story of racism in a small fictional town in the American
South, based on the book of the same title by Harper Lee. The story takes place in 1932,
during the great economic depression, in Macomb, Alabama. It is told through the eyes
of Scout Finch, an adorable six year old girl who loves her father very much, and who
observes the great difficulties that he faces after he decides to defend a black man,
Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of raping a poor white teenage girl. In telling
her story, she reveals much about race, social class and the law in 1930s America.
After deciding to take Tom's case, Atticus must deal with many serious problems,
from the fact that other kids at his children's school make fun of his kids because
their father was "defending a nigger," to doing everything he can to defend Tom Robinson's
life from a white mob that was determined to kill him before he even had a chance to have
a trial. However, the trial does eventually take place, and in it, Atticus uses his great
skills as a lawyer to clearly show that Tom Robinson was not guilty of rape, and that in
fact Mayella Ewell was the victim of her own desires, her father's brutality and the morals
of Southern society. By the end, the truth becomes obvious to everyone, except the 12 white
men on the jury...
While all of this is happening, Scout, Jem and their friend Dill continue to explore the
world of the mysterious "Boo" Radley, a young man who has not been seen in years, and who
many believe is crazy. Many also think that Boo's scary and strange father, who never talks
to anyone, has tied him up to a bed inside their scary and poor house, just down the road.
But one day Boo appears in their lives, and in an amazing climax to this story, saves them
from the hate that had so badly hurt their town.
A Brief Historical Note on the American South: Racism exists everywhere, but until the
1960s, there were few places in the industrialized world where it was so openly accepted
as the Southern states of the US. The Civil War of the 1860s put an end to slavery within
these states, but legal discrimination would last for at least another century. Thus,
for example, blacks in the South were almost never allowed to sit on juries, and both law
and social mores strictly forbid the mixing of blacks and whites in many social settings.
It is within this segregated and repressive context that a decent man like Atticus was
forced to work and raise his family.
A Quick Note on the Language: Do not be discouraged! Scout, Jem and Dill are very difficult
to understand at first since they use a lot of old words, speak very quickly and have
strong Southern accents. It becomes easier as the movie goes on.
Some Words and Expressions that You may not Know Scout and Jem meet Dill, and all three learn of the mysteries of the Radley House.Macomb was a tired old town in 1932.
The name of the small (fictional) Alabama town
and county where Atticus Finch and his family lived.
Men's stiff shirt collars wilted by 9AM and ladies bathed by noon.
"To wilt" is to become limp or to bend, often because of heat.
And by nightfall they were like soft teacakes
with frosting from sweating and sweet talcum.
"Frosting" is the sweet covering that is used on cakes. "Talcum"
is a type of powder people use to absorb sweat when its hot.
There was no money and nothing to buy...though Macomb County
had recently been told there was nothing to fear but fear itself.
This is a very famous campaign slogan that Franklin Roosevelt
said in 1932 when talking about the great economic depression.
No, Miss, I don't care to bother him.
"To bother" is an important verb meaning to annoy or irritate.
The collards that we had last week were delicious.
A type of green vegetable popular in the Southern US.
Why is he bringing you all this stuff?
A critical word meaning "things," but note it's a non-count noun.
The Cunninghams are country folks, farmers. The crash hit them the hardest.
This refers to the stock market crash of 1929, which
led to the great economic depression of the 1930s.
He's in a tree and won't come down until
you agree to play football for the Methodists.
Methodists are a denomination (sub-group) in the Christian Church.
Hot biscuits.
A popular type of a small, round or square shaped bread.
You wouldn't want me to get my head knocked off.
"To knock off" someone's head is to remove it from their
body, perhaps by shooting it or throwing something at it.
I aien't coming down. :: Suit yourself.
Note that "aien't" is very incorrect for "is not." Don't use it!
"Suit yourself" is an interesting way to say "Do what you want."
He'll only play touch football with me. Never tackle.
"To tackle" someone is to wrestle or force them to the ground.
American football is played in either a touch or tackle version.
He can make somebody's will so airtight you can't break it.
In this context, a person's "will" is their determination or desire.
If something is "airtight," it cannot be contaminated or broken.
You count your blessings and stop complaining.
"To count one's blessings" is a way to say that
people should be grateful for what they have.
You look right puny for going on seven.
"Puny" is an interesting adjective for small or weak. Note the
use of "right" as an adverb, which is very rarely used today.
The picture show.
A very old-fashioned way to refer to the movies.
Pleased to know you, Dill.
Another old-fashioned expression, meaning "nice to meet you."
New Orleans.
A beautiful city in Louisiana, another Southern State.
There goes the meanest man who ever took a breath of life.
"Mean" is cruel, abusive or unpleasant. The opposite of nice!
Well, for one thing, he has a boy named Boo that
he keeps chained to a bed in the house over yonder.
"To chain" someone is to keep them physically restrained with the
use of chains. "Over yonder" is very old-fashioned for "over there,"
and was only really used in the Southern States.
Once I heard him scratching on our screen door,
but he was gone by the time Atticus got there.
A "screen" is a sheet of metal wires filled with
tiny holes, designed to let air in but keep insects out.
Judging from his tracks, he eats raw squid and all the cats he can catch.
"Tracks" are the foot prints or other evidence that a person may
leave behind when walking. "Squid" is a type of seafood.
He has a long jaggedscar that runs across his face, his eyes are
popped, his teeth are yellow, and he drools most of the time.
"Jagged" means not straight, but serrated, like a saw. A "scar" is
a wound on the skin that is left after an injury heals. "To drool"
is to let saliva run from one's mouth, like a baby.
My lord, Aunt Stephanie, you almost gave me a heart attack.
"My Lord" is an old-fashioned way to express surprise or
other emotion. If you almost give someone a heart attack,
it is probably because you scared them!
There's a maniac who lives there and he's dangerous.
"Maniac" is a common word used to describe a crazy person.
Papa. Mama.
Very old-fashioned words for father and mother.
They wanted to send him to an asylum, but
he said "No Radley's are going to an asylum."
An "asylum" is a house or institution for mentally disturbed or crazy people.
They locked him in the basement of the
courthouse until he nearly died of the damp.
A "courthouse" is where trials take place. "Damp" can be either
a noun or adjective, and refers to wetness or moisture.
Lord knows what he's doing or thinking.
An old-fashioned expression that means approximately
"I have no idea' (ie...Only God would know)...
Why do you call your daddy Atticus?
Note that both Scout and Jem call their father by his first name
(instead of dad or daddy). In the US, this is somewhat rare.
There's a confederate pistol on her lap and
she'd kill you as quick as she looks at you.
"Confederate" refers to the Southern states that tried to form their own
country during the American Civil War in the 1860s. A "pistol" is a gun,
and one's "lap" is the upper legs of a person who is sitting.
You come out here when I'm talking to you.
Note the pronoun "you" that some people will use
when giving instructions to children or others.
My goodness gracious, look at your flowers.
Very old-fashioned for "My god" or "Wow!" to show excitement.
Your yard is going to be the showplace of this town.
A nice word for the center of attention.
Grand seeing you, Mr. Bose.
Another very old-fashioned way to say very nice.
Stay away from their house and stop tormenting them.
"To torment" someone is to very much bother or
even torture them, either physically or emotionally.
To Atticus, my beloved husband.
A pretty word meaning dear, cherished or loved.
It's customary for the boy to have his father's watch.
A "custom" is a tradition, and thus this means traditional.
Atticus learns of the charges against Tom Robinson, and agrees to take his case.
Warm, isn't it? :: Yes, indeed.
"Indeed" is a nice way to say "certainly," or perhaps "for sure."
Much more used in England than in the States.
The Grand Jury will get around to charging him tomorrow.
A "Grand Jury" is a jury of local citizens that is brought together to see
if there is enough evidence to officially charge a person with a crime.
I was thinking about appointing you to take his case.
"To appoint" someone is to officially choose them to fill a
position or office, here as a public defender for Mr. Robinson.
I know you're busy these days with your practice.
A lawyer's business is often referred to as a practice.
I'll send by a boy tomorrow when his hearingcomes up.
In law, a "hearing" is an official meeting where evidence is
presented and official charges may be made. "To come up" is an
important phrasal verb meaning to occur or take place.
Hush up, Scout.
A bit old-fashioned way of saying "Be quiet!"
Get away from there, come on!
The most widely used phrasal verb in English, here meaning "move yourself!"
Depending on the context, it could mean go, stay, leave, be serious,
stop lying,hurry up, trust me, etc....
Now who's a coward?! :: You tell them about this in Radin County!
A "coward" is a person who is always scared in dangerous situations.
A "county" is a political subdivision of a state, usually big enough
to contain one or many towns and cities.
You nearly die from mildew.
A plant fungus which forms a coating on objects that have been
left wet or damp. It's similar to "mold," and usually unpleasant.
Let's go to the courthouse. I bet they got
chains and instruments of torture down there.
"I bet" is a very common way to say "I'm sure that..."
"Instruments" are tools or devices.
I see your daddy and a colored man.
"Daddy" is how children refer to their fathers. "Colored"
is a very dated way to refer to people who are black.
One guy is pointing at the colored man and yelling
"To yell" is to scream or shout.
Scout, Jem---What in the world are you doing here?
A curious expression that is occasionally added to "Wh
questions" in order to show surprise, anger or other emotion.
We came down to see where Boo Radley is locked up.
"To be locked up" is usually to be held in a jail or prison.
Run along, now.
An old-fashioned way to say leave, or get going.
I'm really sorry that they picked you to
defend that nigger that raped my Mayella.
An ugly racial slur against black people, generally used only by stupid
and uneducated racists (or, black people speaking among themselves!)
I should have killed him myself. That would have
saved you, the sheriff and the taxpayers less trouble.
A sheriff is the head of the local police.
You're dead wrong, man.
One way to say "completely wrong." Note the use of "man"
to end many sentences, and still common in "Hey, man!"
You taking his side? :: I've been appointed to defend him.
"To take a person's side" is to support them, or perhaps simply to agree with them.
Scout, Jem and Dill go looking for Boo, and soon face the pressures of school as Atticus prepares for trial.
I'm going to see if we can get a look at Boo Radley.
"To get a look at" someone is one way saying to see them.
I swear, you act more like a girl all the time.
"I swear" is a common way to say "I really mean it," though "to swear" literally
means to promise to tell the truth, or, to use curse words like "shit."
We'll crawl under the high wire fence.
"To crawl" is to move slowly on one's hands and knees.
Atticus aien't never whipped me since I can
remember and I plan to keep it that way.
"To whip" somebody is to hit or strike somebody with a whip,
which is a piece of leather or rope attached to a handle.
Mr. Radley shot at a prowler.
An interesting word for a person trying to secretly get into a
house, usually at night for the purpose of stealing something.
Mr. Radley must have scared them out of their wits.
An old-fashioned way to say scared them very much.
Scared the living daylights out of me.
Another fascinating but old-fashioned "scared" expression. Much more common today is
"to terrify," or more colloquially (and crudely), "to scare the shit out of" someone.
I think your dress is mighty becoming, honey.
"Mighty" used as an adverb is very old-fashioned for
"very." If something is "becoming," it is pretty or attractive.
Now don't go tugging at that dress, Scout.
"To tug" means to pull.
You'll have it wrinkled before you get to school.
"Wrinkles" are the lines that people get on their skin as they get older.
Noted here to show that clothes can also get wrinkles!
I don't see why I have to wear a darn old dress.
An old-fashioned adverb that means "damn," which is more common today.
Cut that out! What do you think you're doing?
A common and classic colloquial expression meaning "Stop it!"
He made me start out on the wrong foot! I was explaining
to that teacher why he didn't have any money.
"To start off on the wrong foot" is to start something badly.
I don't know when I've had a roast; We've
been having squirrels and rabbits lately.
A "roast" is a piece of meat that is cooked in an oven. "Squirrels"
are cute little rodents, but you'd only eat one if you were very poor!
My pa and I go hunting in our spare time.
"Pa" is an old-fashioned word for dad, used mostly in the
Southern states. "Spare time" is time that you have free to do
what you want with. People will also ask for "spare change."
He told me I'd rather shoot at tin cans, but sooner or later,
the temptation to go after birds would be too much.
"Tin" is a type of cheap metal. "Temptation" is an important word meaning
desire. In this case, "to go after" birds is to try and shoot them.
I could shoot at all the bluejays I wanted, but it was a sin to kill a mockingbird.
A "sin" is religious word that refers to actions that are considered
immoral by God. A "mockingbird" is a bird that imitates the cries of
other birds, and is also known for it's constant singing.
Why? :: I reckon they make music for us to enjoy,
and they just sing their hearts out for us.
"To reckon" is a dated word that was used in the Southern states, meaning to think.
"To sing your heart out" is to sing with all the energy that you have.
Nest.
The homes that birds build for themselves, often in trees.
What in the hell are you doing?
Added to "Wh questions" to express anger, surprise and other
emotions (Note that it can be used with or without "in").
What in the world has gotten into you?
A classic colloquial question: "Why are you acting this way?!"
I tried to give Walter Cunningham a quarter when everyone
knows that the Cunninghams won't take anything from nobody.
A quarter is 25 cents (penny-nickel-dime-quarter-dollar). Note
the "double negation" of the sentence, which you should avoid.
You get along better with all kinds of folks.
"To get along well" with people is to like them and enjoy
being with them. "Folks" is a bit dated word for people (or parents).
You never really understand a person until
you consider something from his point of view.
An important expression meaning "perspective," or the
way in which one person looks at a particular event.
Do you know what a compromise is? It's
an agreement reached by mutual consent.
A critical word referring to an agreement in which
each side agrees to give up something that they want.
You concede the necessity of going to school and we'll keep reading every night.
"To concede" is to admit or agree to.
I swear to god there's a mad dog down the street.
Here, "mad" means wild, though it can also mean crazy or angry.
He's within range.
If something is "within shooting range," this means
that a person is close enough to hit it with a gun.
Don't you know your daddy's the best shot in this county?
"A good shot" is someone who knows how to use a
gun effectively by hitting what he shoots at.
I got a postponement on the trial to give things a chance to cool down.
A postponement is a delay, and note there is also the verb "to postpone." In this
context, "to cool down" means to become less angry or emotional over time.
Atticus soon faces the high risks of defending a black man, both inside and outside of court.
You nigger lover! :: No need to be
afraid of him son, since he's all bluff.
"To bluff" is to mislead by implying that you are stronger or
more threatening than you really are. Here, used as a noun.
Atticus promised me he would wear me out
if he ever heard of me fighting anymore.
"To wear out" someone is to tire or exhaust them, though here
it may mean to punish, which is not a way it is used anymore.
I was too big for such childish things, and the sooner
I'd learn to hold it in, the better off everybody would be.
In this context, "to hold it in" means to take your anger or other
violent emotion and control it, so that others don't notice it.
I forbid you to fight.
"To forbid" is a strong verb meaning to refuse to allow.
I am simply defending a negro, Tom Robinson.
A very dated word that was used to refer to black people.
Although no longer used, it was not a racial slur like "nigger."
There's been some high talk around town to the
effect that I shouldn't do much about this man.
"High talk" is Atticus' way of saying "loose talk," or conversations
among people who aren't thinking seriously about the issue.
If I didn't, I couldn't hold up my head in town.
In this context, "to hold one's head up" is to be able to walk
the streets without being ashamed of what you had done.
You're going to hear some ugly talk about this in
school, but promise me you won't get into fights.
A way of referring to crude threats, foul language, etc.
They were the cradle of civilization! They
invented embalming and toilet paper!
A "cradle" is a small bed for babies, and this sentence often refers to Ancient Egypt.
"To embalm" is to chemically treat a dead body (a "corpse") in order to preserve it.
If I show you, will you swear never to tell nobody?
In this context, "to swear" is a stronger and more legal verb than to promise.
I swear. :: Cross your heart?
Children will ask this question to make extra sure the person
plans to tell the truth. Christians "cross their hearts" in church.
I found all three in that hallow of that old tree at different times.
A hallow is a hole or cavity, in this case, inside a tree trunk.
They were all in a tangle and I couldn't get them loose.
If two things are "tangled up," they are tied together and hard
to separate from each other (In this case, Jem's pants and the fence).
I always get up at 4AM; It's in my blood.
A common way to refer to behaviors that are a fundamental
part of a person, as if they inherited it from their parents.
My daddy flies airplanes, and one of these days he's just going to
swoop down here in Macomb, pick me up, and take me for a ride.
"To swoop down" on something is to descend suddenly on it,
as when planes head dramatically toward the ground. Note that
you can get a "ride" in a car, plane or any moving vehicle.
The Abbotsville Jail.
The jail where Tom Robinson is being housed.
There might be trouble from that bunch.
"Bunch" can refer to many pieces of fruit, or a group of people!
I think you better count on staying.
"To count on" doing something is to assume that you'll have to do it.
I just wanted to see where he was and what he was up to.
"To be up to" something is a classic phrasal verb simply meaning
"to do." A common way to ask "What has he been doing?" if you
haven't heard for a while would be "So, what is he up to?"
Get aside from that door.
One way to say "move from."
Hey Mr. Cunningham, how are you and your aunt getting along?
Note that "to get along" may be followed by with each other,
or as here, when used alone, it may simply mean to survive.
You remember me? You brought us some hickory nuts one early morning.
A popular snack in certain parts of the US.
Entailments are bad, and some times it takes a long time.
Scout says this word several times, and at one time it was used to mean
"debts." Thus she means it takes a long time to pay back what you owe,
but this word is no longer ever used in the US.
I sure meant no harm, Mr. Cunningham.
A very polite way to say "I did not mean to hurt you."
No harm taken, young lady. :: I'll tell Walter you said "Hey."
"No harm taken" is a polite way to respond to an apology, meaning
"you did not hurt me." "Hey" is one possible way to say hi or hello.
Let's clear out of here.
A slang way to say "Let's go" when two or more people plan to leave.
The trial of Tom Robinson finally begins, and the claims of the prosecutor soon fall apart.I can't stand it no longer. I'm going to the courthouse and watch.
If you "can't stand something," you hate it, or as here, you
can't accept it (and thus Jem decides he must see the trial).
Note the use of the double negative, which you should avoid.
It's packed solid. They're standing all along the back.
If a building is "packed solid," it is so crowded
that people don't have any room to move around.
This court is now in session. Everybody rise.
"In session" is a very official way to say that a meeting or trial
has already begun. When a judge enters the court room, all people must
stand up (or "rise"), to show respect.
She was pretty well beat up.
"To beat up" someone is to attack them, and if you've been
beaten up, you likely have bruises and other types of injuries.
I asked if he had taken advantage of her, and he said yes, he did.
Here, the men actually use these words to mean rape, though
usually force or violence is not implied, even if this expression
is used in a sexual context.
There were bruises on her arm and she had a black eye starting.
A "bruise" is a black or blue marking on the skin caused by hitting
of some type. A black eye is exactly that, caused after a person has
been hit or beaten on that part of the face.
There were definite finger marks on her gullet.
A slightly odd word for the outside of the throat.
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
The words that every person must say before they can testify in court.
I was coming home from the woods with a load
of kindling, and I heard Mayella screaming.
A type of dry wood used to start fires, used by very poor
people who do not have modern heating in their homes.
I run up to the window and I see him with my Mayella.
Noted here for the use of the historical present tense, though
in fact, more educated people would use the simple past in court.
What did you do after you saw the defendant?
A legal term that refers to the person accused of the crime.
You folks were doing a lot of running that night. Did you run for a doctor?
Note that Atticus asks this question to show that there was
in fact no medical evidence that Mayella had ever been raped.
Are you left-handed Mr. Ewell?
A "left-handed" person uses his left hand for writing and
other major functions. The opposite of "right-handed."
What's that got to do with it, Judge?! I'm a God-fearing man!
If someone questions what one thing "has to do" with another,
they are asking "How are these two things related?" Note that
conservative Christians will often say that they are "God-fearing."
That Atticus Finch is trying to take advantage of me!
You got to watch tricky lawyers like Atticus Finch.
"Tricky" is an interesting adjective that refers to someone
who manipulates the truth, or can easily trick or mislead.
Suppose you tell us just what happened.
An old-fashioned word at the beginning of a request that basically means "Go ahead"
(and tell us...). In a different context, "I suppose" means "I think."
I was sitting on the porch and he came along.
A porch is an outdoor space with a roof that is often immediately next
to a house. "To come along" is another way to say walk by or come by.
You come in here and I'll bust up the chifforobe and I'll give you a nickel.
"To bust up" something is to destroy it or take it apart.
A chifforobe is an old word for a piece of furniture that held
clothes, but it is no longer used (at least outside the South).
The next thing, papa's standing in the room yelling who done it?
Very old "Southern English" for "who did it?"
Is he easy to get along with? :: He's tolerable.
"To tolerate" is to accept, so if someone is tolerable, you can
live with them or accept them, but this is not a compliment!
When he's riled, has he ever beaten you?
"To be riled up" is an interesting way to say emotional
or angry, but "riled" alone is rarely used anymore.
You say "he caught me, choked me and took advantage of me?"
"To choke" someone is to try and cut off their
air by squeezing their neck so they cannot breath.
I don't recollect if he hit me.
An old-fashioned way to say "remember."
Can you identify the man who hit you? ::
Most certainly will, sitting right yonder.
A very old and Southern way of saying "right over there."
Tom Robinson takes the stand, and tells a town what it does not want to hear.
I got it caught in a cotton gin when I
was 12. All my muscles were torn loose.
A cotton gin is a machine used to pick cotton that was critical
to the economies of the South. If muscles are "torn loose" they
are violently separated from bones and other parts of the body.
You didn't say he sneaked up behind you and knocked you out cold, but that you turned around and there he was.
"To sneak up" on somebody is to secretly approach them
without them noticing. "To knock someone out cold" is to
hit them so hard that they lose consciousness.
If you fine fancy gentlemen aien't gonna do something about it,
then you're just a bunch of lousy, yellow stinking cowards,
"Lousy" is an important word meaning bad or useless. To call
someone "yellow" is very old-fashioned way to refer to a person
without courage, or as Mayella says here, a coward.
Your Mam'in and your Miss Mayella'in aien't come to nothing!
In Southern States, men used to address women as "Mam,"
or use their first name with "Miss," as in "Miss Mayella."
The state rests, Judge.
This is a way for the prosecutor, who represents the state,
to say that he has no other evidence to show the jury.
Were you acquainted with Mayella Ewell?
"To be acquainted with" somebody is to know them,
but not well enough to consider them a friend.
Yes Sir, I tipped my hat when I'd go by, and one day she asked
me to come inside the fence....to bust up a chifforobe for her.
"To tip" one's hat is to take it off and briefly lower it out of respect.
She gave me the hatchet and I broke it up.
A "hatchet" is a type of small ax used to break up wood.
She said I reckon that I'll have to give you a
nickel, and I said, no Mam, there's no charge.
A common way to say that something has been done for free.
And then it come to me.
This is a way of saying that you suddenly realized something
(though "it came to me" would have been more correct).
It's right nice of you to treat them.
"Right" used as an adverb for "very" is another old-fashioned
and Southern way of speaking. "To treat" somebody is a common
way to say to pay for them, often for a meal at a restaurant.
I got the box on top of the chifforobe , and the
next thing I know, she grabbed me round the legs.
"To grab" something is to take it forcefully and hold on to it.
She scared me so, I hopped down and turned the chair over.
"To hop down" is to jump. In this case, its clear
the chair fell over when Tom tried to jump down.
Mr. Ewell cursed at her from the window and said he was going to kill her.
"To curse" at someone is to scream at them with "dirty words" such as fuck and shit.
How come you were so anxious to do that woman's chores.
If a person is "anxious to do something," they are in a hurry to do it.
"Chores" is a cute little word for errands that are done around the house,
such as cleaning the kitchen or cutting the grass.
You did all this chopping out of sheer goodness?
An interesting adjective meaning pure or undiluted.
I felt right sorry for her. :: You felt sorry for a white woman?
A key exchange, for in 1930s Alabama, it would have been considered
unbelievable for a black man to feel sorry for a white person.
Atticus asks the jury to move beyond their prejudice, but these 12 men will not listen.To begin with, this case should never have come to trial.
A good way to start a statement when you want to say several things at once.
The state has not produced one iota of medical evidence that
the crime that Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place.
"Iota" is an interesting word that means a very small amount.
Commonly used in the expression "not one iota of..."
It has relied upon the testimony of two witnesses whose evidence
has been called into serious question on cross examination.
"Testimony" refers to the words of people who appear in court to tell
what they think has happened. A "witness" is a person who testifies in
court. "Cross examination" is the questioning of a witness by a lawyer
to see if there are any lies or weaknesses that can be uncovered.
It has been flatly contradicted by the defendant.
In this context, "to contradict" is to deny a statement,
or say exactly the opposite of what had been said.
There is circumstantial evidence that Mayella Ewell was beaten
savagely by someone who led almost exclusively with his left.
"Circumstantial evidence" refers to physical evidence such as bruises
or blood. "Savagely" is a powerful adverb meaning violently or ruthlessly.
Here, Atticus is saying the person who beat Mayella must have been left-handed.
Tom Robinson sits before you having taken the oath
with the only good one he possesses---his right.
An "oath" is a solemn promise to tell the truth, usually
taken in American courts while one's hand is on a bible.
I have nothing but pity for the chief witness.
"Pity" is concern for someone, but primarily because you
feel sorry for them as a person. Generally, a negative word.
But my pity does not extend so far as to her putting
a man's life at staketo get rid of her own guilt.
"At stake" is another way to say at risk. "To get rid of" something
is a common and colloquial way to say to throw away or eliminate.
She has committed no crime. She has merely
broken a rigid and time-honored code of our society.
"Merely" is an interesting little word meaning "only." Something
that is "rigid" is unbending, and here, a "code" is an accepted
way of behavior, perhaps even a law.
A code so severe that whoever breaks it is
hounded from our midst as unfit to live with.
"Severe" is a strong adjective meaning strict or harsh or perhaps unforgiving.
"To hound" someone is to chase them away. To be in one's "midst" is to be in the
center or close by, and "unfit" is another strong adjective meaning unqualified.
What did she do? She tempted a Negro, and in our society it is
unspeakable....and the code came crashing down on her afterwards.
"To tempt" is to try and attract or seduce. If something is
"unspeakable," it is considered so bad or horrible that it cannot
be discussed. "To crash down" on someone is to fall on them.
The witnesses for the state had cynical confidence that you'd go alongwith them on the evil assumption that all negros lie and are immoral beings.
"To go along with" something is to agree to accept it. An "assumption" is a
statement or claim that is accepted as true. "Beings" is short for human beings.
Negro men are not to be trusted around our women. This
is an assumption we associate with minds of their caliber.
An educated word for distinction, or here, intelligence.
And so a humble quiet Negro who has had the
unmitigated temerity to feel sorry for a white woman....
"Humble" is an important adjective meaning modest. "Unmitigated temerity" is one
way to say the "pure nerve" or "audacity," and is said here with sarcastic anger.
....has had to put his word against two white people.
In a legal context, "your word" is your solemn promise.
Our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts, all men are created equal.
"To level" something is to make it flat, and here the idea is that
in theory, the courts treat all people the same, black or white.
Now, I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our
courts and our jury system....It's a living, working reality.
An "idealist" is someone who is overly romantic or optimistic about
how well certain institutions, such as the justice system, can work.
"Integrity" is another word for honesty or morality.
I'm confident you gentlemen will review the evidence
without passion...and restore this man to his family.
"To restore" something is to return it to the way it was before.
In the name of God, do your duty.
This is a very powerful way to urge people to do something.
How long has the jury been out, Reverend?
If the jury is "out," the members are in the process of discussing
the evidence behind closed doors, before reaching a decision.
Have you reached a verdict? :: We have, your honor.
A "verdict" is the legal conclusion as to whether a person is
guilty or not guilty of the criminal charges. "Your honor" is
the way all people in court are expected to address a judge.
The jury is dismissed. Court is adjourned.
A jury that is "dismissed" is officially ended since they have
done their job. If court is "adjourned," it is ended for the day.
Atticus learns of the tragic fate of Tom, and Scout discovers that some people are not nearly as scary as she thought they were.
He shot at him to wound him and missed his aim and killed him.
"To wound" someone is to injure them.
The deputy said Tom just ran like a crazy man.
A "deputy" is a police officer with a rank below that of Sheriff.
Last thing I told him was not to lose heart, and we'd ask for an appeal.
"To lose heart" is to lose hope. In law, an "appeal" is an important
word referring to the process of asking a higher level court to overturn
the decision in a lower court, for Constitutional or other reasons.
By October, things had settled down again.
"To settle down" is a widely used phrasal verb meaning to become calmer or more peaceful.
There was a pageant representing our county's
agricultural products. I was to be a ham.
A "pageant" is a type of celebration, festival or fair.
Jem was to escort me to the school auditorium,
and thus began our longest journey together.
"To escort" someone is to accompany them, often in order to
protect them. An "auditorium" is a building with many seats for
spectators. "Thus" is an alternative way of saying "therefore."
Get the janitor to let you in.
A person who cleans public buildings, such as schools.
Is he dead? :: No, he's unconscious.
An important word referring to the state of being unaware, as
if asleep. Often caused by disease or injury from an accident.
Someone's been after my children.
If someone "is after" somebody, they are trying to harm or injure them in some way.
Somebody tried to wring his arm off.
"To wring" is to twist, in the way that you twist a
towel when you want to eliminate water from it.
Bobby Ewell is lying under a tree over yonder
with a kitchen knife stuck under his ribs.
The "ribs" are the curved bones that go out from the spinal cord,
located in humans below the neck and above the stomach.
Jem hollered and then somebody grabbed me...
and then I heard somebody panting and coughing.
"To holler" is to scream or yell, and "to pant" is to
breath very rapidly, often after running or exercise.
It will have to come before the county court;
Of course, it's a clear cut case ofself-defense.
If something is "clear cut," it is obvious or unambiguous.
"Self-defense" is a legal term, and an accepted justification for
killing or harming someone, if it was considered reasonable.
Bob Ewell fell on his knife. He killed himself.
This is Sheriff Tate's "analysis" of what happened.
I never heard it was against the law for a citizen to do his utmost to
prevent a crime from being committed, which is exactly what he did.
"To do your utmost" is to do the most or best that you can.
With his shy ways....dragging him into the limelight would be a sin.
"The limelight" the focus or center center of public attention.
I'm not about to have it on my head.
In this context, to "have something on one's head"
is to feel guilty for having taken a particular action.
It would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn't it?
A very common way to say "similar to..."
You never really knew a man until you stood
in his shoes and walked around in them.
A great saying that someone such as Atticus would teach his children,
perhaps implying that few people are able to truly see the problems of
life from another person's point of view.

1. What does this movie tell us about American life in 1932?
2. Is the US still a racist society? Is it as bad as it was back then?
What about your own country? Who are the "negroes" of the culture
hat you come from?
3. Atticus said that he had to defend Tom Robinson so that he could walk in town
"with his head up" (without being ashamed). What were the principles that Atticus
was defending? If you had been in his position in that town at that time, would you
have had the courage to do what he did?
4. Why do you think this story was told from the point of view of a child?
5. How would you describe Atticus to a friend? What about Scout? And Jem?
6. In a very powerful scene, Scout's talking to Mr. Cunningham seems to prevent
the white mob from killing Tom Robinson. What does that scene seem to imply about
hatred, violence, and human nature?
7. Why did Mr. Radley scare so many people in town? Does every town have somebody like him?
8. Atticus believes that the search for truth is one of the greatest principles,
but at the end of the film, he seems to agree with Sheriff Tate that the death of
Mr. Ewell should be considered an accident. Given the nature of the town, the circumstances
in which Boo became involved, and Boo's "shy ways," was agreeing to the sheriff's "version
of reality" the right thing to do?